Sunday, February 10, 2008

Welcome Home

We have arrived! Without even a hiccup. The flight was long- but wewere lucky enough to get a bulkhead (which my very leggy husband wasprofusely happy about). It took about 1.3 painless minutes to get ourvisa (no line, about 4 people waiting to help us). Our luggage alsoarrived, which seemed like pure magic, and the minibus to take us tothe Hilton was ready and waiting. I don’t want to jinx it, but Ican’t believe our luck already. We are scheduled to pick up Judahtomorrow morning, until then it is just the adventures of 2.Right before we left, I mean, seriously minutes before walking outthe door, I received an ugly comment on my blog. I wasn’t initiallyupset, as the words of the sad, crazy, and uneducated don’t typicallyaffect me. Although “typically” in my life, I am not leaving to beunited with my son. So, this was different. I tried to figure out whythe words of a miserable person made me pause. I realized it was onlysadness that I felt. Sadness that Jude’s world is not more beautiful.Not more perfect. I am a dreamer by nature, and although I seemisery, I like to pretend that people are even more beautiful thanthey are. Tommy once told me, “not everything can be beautiful.” Ifelt a pinch of pride that I do try to make things beautiful, atleast through his eyes. It’s so easy to see the misery.Although we have only been on this journey for a matter of hours, wehave come across an amazing surplus of beauty.

Coincidences:So, we left our house, me having mixed feelings - feelings that weretoo surreal and lacking the tangibility to describe. Hope and fearbeing most prominent. We parked our car and took a shuttle to theairport. The shuttle driver, a wonderful Ethiopian man whose whoselove and pride in his country was readily available, gave us helpfulhints for our visit to Addis. He promised that he would be there topick us up when we returned to L.A., so he could meet Tesfahun (whichhe said was the name of a revolutionary leader? I will have to lookthis up).

We got on the first plane to DC and our flight number was #44. Youknow how some people have favorite numbers? Like REALLY favoritenumbers…I like numbers, but I’m a fair-weathered-number-friend,friendly to all. Tommy’s dad, on the other hand, is fiercely loyal tonumber 44. This loyalty, I took as a sign…and guess what? All wentsmoothly.

Our second flight, from Washington D.C., was also pleasant. Most ofthe passengers were Ethiopian and I noticed something atypicalinstantaneously. I’m a friendly bird. I smile at people A LOT. I onceasked Tommy is he was sometimes embarrassed about my “bubbly-ness”with strangers (I can really take it over the top) and he laughed andsaid “sometimes”…By the way, I’m not changing this. EVER. So, thereadily apparent difference between this flight and all others wasthe friendliness. Generous smiles in return (AND SOME EVEN FIRST).Heart-warming smiles. I instantly felt healed from the slightly blue“Judah’s world isn’t beautiful enough for him” state.

The flight was interesting. It was mostly night while we were flyingover Africa. The sand dunes of Egypt and/or Sudan, for as far as theeye could see while meeting the bright red sunrise, was impressive.When we were flying over Ethiopia, I instantly had this sense ofpride. Pride so strong, that I had to sneaky cry over it. This is myson’s country. This is his home. It was almost too much for me toemotionally take. Then I would see an area that was so heartbreaking,even from the distance of the airplane, that I had to hold my breath.Tommy squeezed my hand and said, “I know.” We couldn’t talk about it,and I don’t think I ever will. But, I know.

We landed in a very nice airport. The people were gracious, and as Isaid NO glitches. Our driver said “Welcome home” and it didn’t evenseem cheesy. It felt genuine. As did his eyes. Another passenger inour minibus was Ethiopian, going home to his and his wife’s families.He thanked us for being global citizens and for our humanity. Forhelping a child who has no one to help him. I didn’t know exactlywhat to say, because each person I have met, seemed to give ME somuch. So much HOPE, something I felt slightly lacking when I wasleaving L.A. I’m a sucker for a warm smile.

We truthfully haven’t done much in the few hours we have been here. Imean, we obviously have tried St. George’s beer and walked around abit. The jet lag is fairly intense, so I’m glad that we still havetoday to try to become more cerebrally active before meeting ourJude. I have learned in these few hours that I am passionately proudof our son’s country. I cannot wait to bring him back. I cannot waitto share with him the love I feel for the people. I am excited aboutpossible professional opportunities that may help make the visitsmore than tours. I have so much to learn.

Tomorrow we get our boy! I am thrilled and anxious! Ethiopia isbeautiful. Last night I woke up many times. Sometimes I woke up witha big smile, sometimes with a tear running down my face. This is veryrepresentative of my feelings right now. I definitely feel alive.

I do not know you, but I have been following your blog (your link was on another blog of someone I knew who adopted from Ethiopia) and I am so excited for you and your husband!! I can't believe someone would post nasty thoughts to you, you guys seem to be such nice people. Good luck tomorrow!

My heart is rejoicing that you are there now! I'm horrified that someone said something nasty but have come to learn that people can dissappoint us in life and we must just move forward -

Your description and post is just lovely and you have already answered a question that I've been pondering for quite some time. I had a feeling that I knew, but you have confirmed it brilliantly...

My question was, "how come when families come home they rarely give much description of what they saw other than things they DID while in Ethiopia". I think now, it's because of what you saw from the plane... Sort of (not really) like when people come home from wars, they don't discuss the things they heard, saw, and smelled.... it just leaves an impact that cannot be described, but can only be felt. Am I way off here??

As I wipe my last little tear, I just want to tell you that I'm so happy (stupid word) that you are meeting Jude so soon and I will be holding my breath for the next posts.. (you'll have to tell me how to blog from ET at some point cuz alot of people say it's not possible without someone in the US doing it for them).

Tommy and Daniel- This is Kimberly, Heather's friend. I have been hearing about Judah's adoption and now just read your blog. I cried my eyes out with happiness for you both. I want to wish you a lifetime of love and happiness with your new little boy! I believe that what you are doing is the greatest gift anyone can give a child, and have the utmost respect for you both. Congratulations and big hugs.xoxo,Kimberly

Dearest Danielle and Tommy, Brett emailed us and let us know that you two had arrived. Whew, you've got to be amazingly excited Your work-pictures are so descriptive that I can imagine every step you are taking. Ganny can't get your blog, so I'm reading it to her so she can also follow along. We are all so very excited and can't wait to see his first pics with you. And, of course hugging Jude in person. Much love, Ganny and Auntie Judi

I don't know what your ugly comment was, but I think you will have a different view of it (and most things) after your trip. You will see and meet people who are able to find joy and beauty in the face of obstacels we can't ever truly understand. Don't let that ugly person tak eanything from this truly beautiful experience.

Your words are electric! I remember those exact thoughts and feelings from when we were going to meet Ray Ray like they are happening to me right now. I'm so sorry someone was cruel to you right before you left. That just breaks my heart, but you know, it will happen over and over and we mamas just have to learn to teach love and forgiveness to our babies and not be weighed down by it.Blessings to you guys!